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Friday, July 18, 2025

AIR NIUGINI CEO CONTINUES TO ENGAGE STAFF IN TOWN HALL TO PREPARE FOR AIRBUS A220 ARRIVAL

MEDIA RELEASE

Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gary Seddon, continues to host staff town hall meetings, reinforcing the airline's commitment to transformation and readiness ahead of the arrival of its first Airbus A220 aircraft in September.

The fourth session, held last week in Port Moresby and streamed online, enabled participation from staff across domestic and international ports. 

These town halls are integral to Air Niugini's internal engagement strategy, focusing on preparing staff for the operational, technological, and cultural shifts accompanying the re-fleet program.

"With just over 60 days until the first A220 lands at Jackson’s, significant efforts are underway to ensure both the airline and our staff are prepared for the aircraft's Entry Into Service (EIS)," said Mr. Seddon. 

"We are demonstrating collective collaboration, showcasing what Air Niugini can achieve through teamwork. It is not the first time Air Niugini has brought a new aircraft type into the fleet, so we have the capacity and experience to be successful."

Mr. Seddon acknowledged the dedication of employees across departments, highlighting the extensive behind-the-scenes work ensuring the airline is equipped to embrace a new era of aviation in Papua New Guinea.

Staff were briefed on the airline’s progress in meeting key milestones for the A220’s EIS, with several deliverables already ahead of schedule. 

Training programs for pilots, engineers, cabin crew, and ground staff are underway, ensuring all operational teams are certified and prepared for the new aircraft.

"Our first two pilots, Captain Beverly Pakii and Captain Timothy Narara, have attained command on the A220. Currently, four pilots are undergoing training in Mirabel, Canada, with another six to follow. 

"Twelve engineers have been engaged in extensive training with Lufthansa Technik in Port Moresby, and Singapore, and are now gaining on-the-job experience with QantasLink in Canberra. 

"Airbus is also sending engineering capacity to Port Moresby as part of the program. Our cabin crew managers have completed the 'train-the-trainers' program in Zurich, Switzerland, with a second group about to undergo training in Melbourne. 

"Ground staff are also participating in intensive training in their respective areas. As I have always emphasized, it's no longer business as usual," Mr. Seddon stated.

"We have a significant opportunity to enhance air travel for our country. We must proactively examine all aspects of our business to increase aircraft utilization, improve services, and deliver affordable, reliable travel. 

"There are many that will try to hold us back or talk us down. But change is inevitable. PNG deserves a modern, reliable, efficient air transport service. 

"And Air Niugini will lead that charge, with the support of our shareholder, KCH, our Minister, and this Government. The A220 will replace the Fokker and Boeing narrow body fleet and will operate across the country and the region."

The town hall also provided an open forum for staff to raise questions directly with the CEO and management. 

Apart from the A220, questions were also raised on the possibility of introducing a dedicated domestic freighter to support cargo operations and addressing the ongoing challenges of consistent regional fuel availability. 

Mr. Seddon addressed each query, emphasising the importance of transparent communication during this period of change.

In addition to fleet updates, Chief Financial Officer Ms. Judy Kuk spoke on the recent implementation of Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP. 

She highlighted the system's role in modernising Air Niugini's finance, HR, payroll, and supply chain operations, and encouraged staff to engage with the platform.

"All manual processes are being replaced. As an airline, we must elevate our standards, and Oracle is our chosen way forward. It ensures every part of the business is integrated into one enterprise, resulting in improved governance and accountability. By now, most of you are using the Oracle portal for your HR queries. It has much more to offer, such as booking training, appraisals, and requests for leave, and salary sacrifice," Ms. Kuk said.

The CFO also took the opportunity to introduce the collaboration with the Port Moresby General Hospital – where Air Niugini employees and their dependents can have access to a suite of medical interventions, on top of the current medical support provided by the company. “Employee health and wellbeing is a critical consideration, and we are always looking at ways to improve.”

The CEO took time to explain the steps Air Niugini is taking to attract and retain employees. 

Training is expensive, but there is a shortage of experienced, qualified engineers, pilots, and cabin crew across the industry. And our Air Niugini employees are highly sought after. 

As Air Niugini prepares to welcome the first of its Airbus A220 aircraft in September, the airline reaffirms its commitment to operational excellence, enhanced passenger experience, and regional connectivity. 

The A220 is globally recognized for its fuel efficiency, quieter performance, and superior comfort, marking a new era for air travel in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region.

End…//

Corporate Communications Department 
Wednesday 16th  July, 2025

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

AIR NIUGINI STAFF PREPARE FOR AIRBUS A220 WITH INNOVATIVE UPSKILLING PROGRAM

MEDIA RELEASE

Air Niugini recently participated in the first “Airbus Beyond” Training Program to be delivered in Papua New Guinea—an integral part of the airline’s preparation for the arrival of the state-of-the-art Airbus A220 in September this year.

This pioneering initiative brought together 18 staff members from various departments and ports, within Air Niugini for an intensive, interactive training program from 23 to 26 June 2025. 

Designed to be immersive and gamified, the training had candidates simulate managing and operating an airline. 

This pushed the groups to engage in real-time decision-making through hands-on simulations covering fleet planning, cost management, safety, and service delivery.

Participants were challenged to design and manage airline networks, optimize routes and capacity, and navigate real-world operational scenarios. 

The focus was on building critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills, key attributes needed to meet the technological and operational demands of the incoming narrow and widebody fleet.

Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gary Seddon, congratulated the participants, highlighting the broader vision behind the initiative.

“This program is more than just training. It represents a journey of transformation for Air Niugini. By blending global aviation best practices with immersive, gamified learning, we are equipping our people to thrive in a fast-evolving industry. We are developing the skills of future airline leaders” Mr. Seddon said.

“Take what you’ve learned and bring it to life in your workplace. This training marks a new chapter in our re-fleeting journey, and each of you plays a vital role in our success. The future is bright, and we must embrace it with confidence and commitment.”

Air Niugini recognises that there is a lot to be achieved within our transformation program. 

Most of our programs are focused on improving service and product delivery. However, we must still ensure succession planning persists, to future proof the business.

As Air Niugini prepares to welcome the first of its Airbus A220 aircraft in September, the airline reaffirms its commitment to operational excellence, enhanced passenger experience, and regional connectivity. 

The A220 is globally recognized for its fuel efficiency, quieter performance, and superior comfort—marking a new era for air travel in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region.

End….//

Corporate Communications Department 
Monday, 07th July 2025

Saturday, July 5, 2025

Air Niugini Completes A220 Cabin Crew Training in Zurich, Prepares for Further Training in Melbourne

Port Moresby, July 1, 2025 – Air Niugini is proud to announce the successful completion of its Airbus A220 Cabin Crew “Train-the-Trainer” program at the Airbus Training Centre in Zurich, Switzerland—marking a key milestone in the lead-up to the arrival of its new A220 fleet later this year.

The specialized program equips Air Niugini’s lead cabin crew instructors with the necessary certification and expertise to train the broader cabin crew team in preparation for the A220’s entry into service. The intensive training focused on aircraft-specific safety procedures, service protocols, emergency operations, and technical systems unique to the A220.

Ten senior members of Air Niugini’s cabin crew participated in the program, including Ms. Kei Veni, Ms. Tabitha Kaetovuhu, and Mr. Jeremy Nungwehim. All participants successfully completed the training and expressed their excitement about contributing to a new chapter in the airline’s history.

“This program not only strengthens our internal training capacity but also ensures our crew is fully prepared to deliver a world-class experience onboard the A220,” said Gary Seddon, CEO of Air Niugini. “The professionalism and commitment shown by our cabin crew reflect the high standards we are setting for the future of our airline.”

Following the Zurich training, additional cabin crew will now travel to Melbourne, Australia, for further A220 training in the coming weeks as part of Air Niugini’s comprehensive Entry Into Service (EIS) program.

Meanwhile, the first A220 aircraft has entered the paint shop phase, with delivery preparations well underway. Air Niugini is coordinating the aircraft’s journey to Papua New Guinea alongside stringent safety and regulatory checks.

The airline is working in close partnership with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of PNG (CASAPNG) to ensure full compliance with national and international aviation standards.

Flight crew training is also progressing at the Airbus facility in Mirabel, Canada, where pilots are undergoing A220 type-rating and simulator programs.

“We are grateful for the continued cooperation of CASAPNG as we prepare to welcome the A220 to PNG’s skies,” added Seddon. “This aircraft represents a step-change in comfort, efficiency, and reliability for our passengers.”

Air Niugini’s new A220 fleet is expected to begin commercial operations in September 2025, ushering in a new era of aviation for Papua New Guinea and the broader Pacific region.

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